Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help), Montreal

Down by Montreal’s Old Port, where ships once arrived after long, uncertain Atlantic crossings, sailors had a habit of saying thank you properly. In 1771, they built the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (that is, if you want the full poetic version), as a pilgrimage site to honour the Virgin for her “good help” in getting them across the ocean in one piece. Today, it still stands as the oldest surviving chapel in the Old Town—not bad for a building that has already outlived one predecessor...

Because yes—this chapel has layers. It sits directly on top of an earlier church from 1675 that didn’t survive a fire. Head down into the crypt, and you’re not merely underground; you’re stepping into centuries. Excavations have revealed the foundations of that first temple, along with artifacts from both First Nations indigenous communities and the French colonial era—including fragments of Montreal’s early fortifications. In essence, this basement serves more as a “time capsule,” enhanced by the audio tour that fills in the stories behind the stones.

Considering its prime harbour address, it’s no surprise that the chapel picked up the nickname “the Sailors’ Church.” Inside, the decor is simple but quietly striking. Lift your eyes, and you will spot delicate model ships suspended from the ceiling—ex-votos offered in gratitude, tiny wooden thank-you notes from those who made it safely home.

And if you're feeling energetic, climb the wooden staircase into the spire. From there, the view opens wide with the Old Port, the Saint Lawrence River, the harbour, and the remnants of the Expo 67 exhibition. You may also spot the statue of Our Lady of the Harbour, famously name-checked in Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” song, where “the sun pours down like honey.” Up close, you can even inspect the rooftop angels keeping watch over the city.

The chapel also houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, dedicated to the saintly founder of the Notre-Dame congregation. Her remains were returned here in 2005, resting in the sanctuary she helped shape.

So, ultimately, what looks like a pretty stop by the water is in fact a story of fire and survival, voyages and gratitude, saints and sailors—all tucked into one remarkably resilient little chapel...